Culture Keeper guest blogger, Spencer McQueen (yup that's his real
name) shares a bit of his sartorial wisdom. Keep your eye out for more
articles from this northern savant.

"When it comes to choosing a type of suit
that works best for you, you usually concern yourself with the way it
fits more than anything. This of course is very important. So kindly
decline when your grandfather offers his 46 long jacket to you when
you're a 36 regular. Something that should also be on your radar is the lapel.

The
lapel can symbolize the formal or casualness of your suit, and you
don't want to feel out of place, like you did in 3rd grade when you
were invited to a costume party at your friends house, but you end up
being the only one who showed up in a full spiderman suit, with working
web shooters that your parents had to go to three different stores to
find. You remember? Of course you do.

So do your parents.

The
first is the peaked lapel. The lapel that is known to be the most
formal. This style was very popular back in the twenties and thirties,
and has been coming back for quite some time in a big way. Designers
such as Tom Ford have been putting their own spin on this. Increasing
the width and two-toning top and bottom. If you're looking for an
example of what I mean, look no further than the manager of brand
promotion for Fiat Automotive; Lapo Elkann. Nephew of fashionista and
industrialist Gianni Agnelli, the man knows how to wear a suit. Enough
said.

Second is the Shawl Lapel. A full
curve, no notch collar. Known to be part of tuxedos, dressed with a bow
tie and a crisp white shirt. A timeless classic. Seeing being worn by
such icons as Sean Connery in James Bond. Shawl lapels are usually made
using a different material such as satin to give in that extra hint of
sophistication.

Lastly is the notch Lapel (or step lapel)
The
the standard on single breasted suit jackets. The one everyone knows
and is the most frequently used in all forms of blazers, sport coats,
or suit jackets. This is a look that has been made to be a staple for
companies like J. Crew and their Ludlow Jacket. The notch lapel is
truly the most versatile of all three and can come very slim or widened
for a more formal look.

In the end the choice is up to
you. It all depends on preference of the wearer. So the next time
you're in the market for a suit, keep in mind these different looks.
One of them will give you that edge you may be looking for."